An investigation of the selective oxidation of NH 3 to N 2 in gasified biomass in the presence of excess CO and H 2 using zeolite catalysts

Abstract

The selective oxidation of NH3 to N2 in simulated biogas containing a large excess of CO and H2 has been examined using zeolite catalysts. Of the materials examined zeolite Beta gave the highest N2 yield (85% at 475–575°C), while ZSM5 produced 75% at 575°C, but HY was both less active and selective. In all cases N2 is formed via an internal selective catalytic reduction between NOx (derived from the oxidation of NH3) and NH3 adsorbed on Bronsted sites of the zeolite.